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The Gauteng Office of Consumer Affairs Office (GOCA) is alerting consumers about their rights and responsibilities relating to the outbreak of Listeriosis.

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi announced that the authorities had found the source of the latest outbreak of the bacterium. It is linked to processed meats such as polony, Viennas, Russians, ham, Frankfurters, sausages and other cold meats. These products are deemed harmful and unsafe for human consumption, and have caused 180 deaths so far.

Our office fully supports the steps taken by the Department of Health and the dti, through the National Consumer Commission, to safeguard the interests and wellbeing of consumers.
Consumers are reminded of their rights and responsibilities, relating to these products:

1. The right to safe quality goods or consumable products:
Consumers have the right to goods that are safe, free from injury or harm to their health and life.

2. The right to return affected products for a full refund:
Products must be returned to the place of purchase for a refund.

3. The consumer’s responsibility:
Consumers must stop buying products that may cause hazards, harm or injury to their health and life.

It is important to note that the law also holds suppliers responsible for any harm caused by their products. Manufactures and suppliers of inferior, unsafe and sub-standard products are warned to stop the production and supply of these products.

We encourage all food manufacturers and suppliers to be very careful in their application and supervision of their hygiene processes, and be mindful of the consumers’ rights to safety, hygienic and quality goods or products.
 

Issued by Gauteng Department of Economic Development